Tai-Pan Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Dirk Straun is the hero of this story. What does it mean to be a hero? How does Dirk fit the definition of a hero? What are some of his heroic acts?

Essay Topic 2

How does the setting, both physical and historical, affect the plot of Tai-Pan? What is the importance of picking this specific time in history to set the novel in? Could the story have worked in a different historical setting? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

At the beginning of the novel, what is the financial situation of The Noble House? How did the company get into this situation? What is the deal between Jin-qua and Dirk and why is it necessary in saving The Noble House?

Essay Topic 4

Dirk takes many calculated risks throughout the course of the novel. What are the risks he takes? Are his risks wise or foolish? In...